Steven Cole on Catch the Wave and Spirit-Empowered Living

It is possible to know about the Holy Spirit without ever learning to walk with Him.

We can study the Bible, attend church, and know all the right Christian language while still trying to live the Christian life through our own strength.

But God never intended for us to follow Jesus in the power of the flesh.

On this episode of Faith and Family Fellowship, I spoke with Steven Cole, Christian author, engineer, Bible teacher, and author of Catch the Wave: Experience the Thrill of Spirit-Empowered Living.

We discuss what it means to live under the leading of the Holy Spirit, how believers can recognize God’s voice, and why Spirit-empowered living is meant for ordinary Christians.

The Holy Spirit is not an optional part of Christianity. He is not a feeling we chase, a force we attempt to control, or a subject reserved for a certain group of Christians.

He is God.

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would live within His people, teach them, guide them, convict them, and empower them to carry His gospel into the world.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He told His disciples:

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses.” Acts 1:8, ESV

The disciples had walked with Jesus. They had heard His teaching. They had witnessed His miracles, death, and resurrection. But Jesus still told them to wait for the power of the Holy Spirit.

Information alone was not enough. They needed power. The same is true for us.

We cannot overcome sin, minister effectively, or fulfill the mission of Jesus through talent and determination alone. We need the Holy Spirit working within us and through us.

That does not mean we abandon Scripture and begin following every feeling that enters our minds. The Holy Spirit will never contradict the Word He inspired. Every impression, message, and supposed revelation must be tested against Scripture. The voice of God will always agree with the character and truth of God.

Spirit-led living is not careless or irrational. It is a life surrendered to God. Paul writes:

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25, ESV

Keeping in step requires attention. It means we stop running ahead of God. It means we stop resisting Him when He confronts our sin, redirects our plans, or calls us to obey.

During our conversation, Steven addresses some of the misconceptions Christians have about the Holy Spirit. Some believers have seen emotional excess, manipulation, or teaching that was not grounded in Scripture. As a result, they have become suspicious of almost anything involving the Holy Spirit. But the answer to misuse is not rejection. The answer is biblical truth.

We should not chase spiritual experiences while ignoring Scripture. But we should not allow fear of counterfeit experiences to keep us from receiving everything God desires to do in our lives.

We need both truth and power. We need the Word of God shaping our beliefs and the Spirit of God empowering our obedience. Spirit-empowered living is not about appearing more spiritual than everyone else. It is about becoming more like Jesus.

The evidence of the Holy Spirit is not merely what happens during a church service. It is seen in our character, our obedience, our love for people, our courage to share Christ, and the fruit our lives produce.

The Holy Spirit empowers ordinary believers to do what they could never accomplish through their own strength.

He gives courage to the fearful.

He gives wisdom to the uncertain.

He convicts us when we begin drifting.

He strengthens us to obey when obedience costs something.

We were never meant to live this Christian life alone. God has given us His Word. God has given us His Spirit. The question is whether we will surrender, listen, and obey.

Listen to my full conversation with Steven Cole above.

You can learn more about Steven and Catch the Wave: Experience the Thrill of Spirit-Empowered Living at HolySpiritWave.net or find the book on Amazon.